Over the past twenty years, I've learned a lot. I've sat in countless lectures and taken numerous tests to prove my knowledge. Unfortunately, it seems that the knowledge I've gained in all of those hours taking notes and studying for finals has not amounted to much that I deemed worth remembering. However, all of the small, seemingly insignificant lessons I've learned have proven to be much more useful as I live my life day by day. So, if you want some advice from a 20-year-old college kid who may or may not know anything at all, keep on scrolling.
Always, ALWAYS tell your parents that you love them. On a related note, always tell everyone you care about that you love them. It may not seem important, and it may even seem silly. You'll see your parents tomorrow, right? I'm sure you will. But think of it this way: life does come to an end, and oftentimes, that end is unexpected, so don't live the rest of your life regretting not saying one more "I love you." Just humor me. Someday, one of those times will be the last.
As for not keeping your mouth shut when it comes to endearments, just don't keep your mouth shut at all. Share that opinion. Who cares if no one else agrees? God gave us the capacity to have opinions, to be different. So open that mouth right up and say what you think. Sure, there have been many times where opening my mouth has gotten me in trouble. But, at the same time, many of those times have led to something wonderful.
Speaking of something wonderful, you are wonderful. Hair up, hair down, makeup on, makeup off, whatever. You're wonderful. Do I need to say it again for the kids dozing in the back? You. Are. Wonderful. With that being said, don't wear makeup once in a while if for no other reason than to save yourself some time in the morning. Bonus: No makeup on is equivalent to no makeup to wipe off at the end of the night.
Related: Being healthy is great. Drink more water, drink less soda. Go to the gym. Be proud every time you add another 15 pounds to that shoulder press and whenever you run the extra mile (literally). But at the same time, it's okay to say yes to the fries and no to the salad. One of the biggest tragedies I can think of is overeating salads and not ever eating the fries you know you want. A few fries never hurt anybody. Except possibly people with potato allergies.
And, in the interest of keeping this brief and readable for those with a busy schedule, I'll be wrapping this diddy up with two of my favorite pieces of advice. Be open to anything and everything. Chase the dreams you have if only to have the satisfaction of trying it. At the end of your life, be able to say that you may not have accomplished everything you had hoped, but at least you tried. And, lastly, be so kind to others, especially those who are unkind, that they could not possibly say a single bad thing about you without making it up. Strive for positivity, and I promise it will make a difference.
